US Recognizes the Significant Contributions of Migrant Farm Workers in the Country
Those who can bring home their work share jokes and complaints on Twitter about meetings on Zoom. However, some people are not given the privilege of bringing home their work.
In a Tweet on March 20 by the United Farm Workers of America, it was stressed that farmers "can't pick strawberries remotely." This signifies that the limitation of farmers to bring home their work.
According to the labor organization, farmworkers who work to produce food for the people who are unable to telecommute. This is a statement by the organization in the middle of March as the country implements changes to its policies for migrant workers. It had affected a minimum of 2 million migrant farm workers.
Food Suppliers
Despite the shortage of toilet papers in the supermarkets of the U.S., the country's food supply produced by farmworkers in the country, the majority of which are migrants, remains in good condition thanks to these workers. Yet a majority of them work without any necessary protection, says one of their supporters.
The migrant workers continue to keep the food supply in the country in good condition despite the presence of insufficient health care or wage and issues of immigration involving the country's H-2A visa program.
They are being considered essential right now, but in fact, they have always been relevant to the lives of every American, says the director and founder of the Border Agricultural Workers Center in El Paso, Texas named Carlos Marentes during an interview.
Check these out:
- Trump Announces $19 Billion Relief Fund for Farmers, Says It is 'Well-Deserved'
- U.S. Farmers and Ranchers to Receive At Least $16 Billion Aid from the Government
- Mexican Restaurant Gives Away Meals to Frontline Staff of Two Hospitals in Dallas
- COVID-19 FAQs: Will Heat from the Sun Kill Coronavirus? Is an Elevator Safe?
Easing Temporary Immigration Regulations
Migrant workers are not being considered essential. On April 15, the Department of Homeland Security in the U.S. announced a temporary easing of immigration policies. This measure allows businesses to employ foreign workers faster and employ them for a more extended period than before.
According to a statement given by the Department of Agriculture of the United States, the non-permanent changes will assist U.S. farmers who employ migrant farmworkers. This will help prevent disruptions in employment and support the food supply chain of the country.
Historical Abandonment of Farm Workers
Regardless of their importance to the country, there has always been a historical abandonment for farmworkers in the United States, says Marentes. This is a period to surpass 'sentimental blackmail,' which constitutes giving out praise for the significant contribution of farmworkers but not giving out protection for their rights, as Marentes stated. One of the potential threats for farmworkers is the possibility of lowering their salaries during the crisis.
The H-2A visa program is a guest worker campaign in the United States. It permits agricultural employers to hire migrant workers from different countries, especially from Mexico, to work in their farms in the United States, says the director of policy at the Migration and Refugee Services of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.